The City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) is reminding building owners that properties that were due for data verification in 2020 were expected to do so by June 1, 2020. However, BACP understands that on-site data verification has been difficult during the COVID-19 outbreak. As such, BACP is using its enforcement discretion to suspend enforcement of the Data Verification Requirement until June 1, 2021.

The next scheduled date that your property is required to complete data verification will be listed on the most recent Covered Buildings List. Please note, the compliance deadline for 2020 benchmarking reports did not change from June 1, 2020.
Questions? We can help! Call the Chicago Energy Benchmarking Help Center at (855) 858-6878 (M-F 9am-5pm) or email Info@ChicagoEnergyBenchmarking.org.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to verify my data by June 1, 2020?
Yes. Properties due for data verification by June 1, 2020, are expected to comply with the requirement if such verification can be done consistent with COVID-19 orders. However, BACP will not be enforcing the data verification requirements until June 1, 2021. Properties due for data verification in 2020 may face enforcement measures if compliance is not achieved by June 1, 2021.

Can data verification be completed remotely?
Due to limitations associated with undertaking data verifications without on-site access to properties, we advise subject properties to wait until proper data verification can be conducted.

What timeframe of data should be verified if I am due for verification in 2020, but cannot verify until 2021?
Regardless of whether or not there is a significant change to building operating conditions, properties are encouraged to verify the most recent full calendar year (12 months) of available aggregated data reported to the City, even if it is data from the previous year. In this case, facilities may submit data verification for either calendar year 2019 or 2020 reporting periods.

If data verification is performed for a calendar year reporting period more than 6 months in the past, the submitted report should detail how any instances of substantial operational changes between the 12-month reporting period and the observed conditions on the date of the onsite verification visit were substantiated through alternative means. For example, if observed occupancy during the site visit is significantly lower than the occupancy included in the 12-month reporting period, explain the process by which occupancy records, interviews with facilities staff, or similar means were used to validate the historic occupancy.

Chicago Energy Rating System

The new Chicago Energy Rating System, which improves the visibility and transparency of the information reported under Chicago Energy Benchmarking, is now in effect. A summary of the changes and some of the benefits are provided in this summary, and this FAQ document provides answers to frequently asked questions. The full ordinance can be downloaded here.

For more information, visit the Chicago Energy Rating System website.

Benchmarking Compliance

The compliance deadline for 2021 benchmarking reports is June 1, 2021. As a reminder, energy benchmarking reports are due annually from all properties, and data verification is required once every three years. To determine if you are required to verify data this year, check the compliance notification letter sent by the City, which you should receive by mid to late March. You can also find the year of next verification on the Covered Buildings List.

The City is now accepting 2021 benchmarking reports. If you are ready to report, click here to send your data via ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.

Taking Action on Energy Efficiency

Have you benchmarked one or more buildings, and are looking to take the next steps on energy efficiency? Click here to learn about suggestions and resources for starting to improve the energy performance of your property(ies).

Quick Links:

• View a sample building notification letter
• Download the Benchmarking Guide
• View the free training videos
• Report energy benchmarking data to the City (ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager)
• Review the Covered Buildings List
• View the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The menu below provides a full list of the resources available on this website. Click one of the buttons below for an Overview, or find detailed Instructions, Training, Request Forms, or Results & Analysis:

Chicago Energy Benchmarking Ordinance Background Chicago Energy Benchmarking Ordinance Requirements Key Definitions	Compliance Overview Guidance Documents Covered Buildings List Obtain Whole-Building Data Use ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Fulfill the Data Verification Requirement Find a Service Provider Submit Data to the City Addtional Instructions for Buidings with Errors or Missing Data	Online Chicago Energy Benchmarking Training Videos Trainings: Dates & Info Office Hours: Dates & Info ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Support & Resources	Request a Chicago Energy Benchmarking ID Request an Exemption Request a Special Space Use Waiver Apply for Pro-Bono Data Verification	Building-Specific Data Building Energy Performance Map 2018 Infographic (Report coming soon) 2017 Report and Infogaphic 2016 Report and Infographic 2015 Report and Infographic 2014 Report and Infographic

Questions? We Can Help!

Call the Chicago Energy Benchmarking Help Center at 855.858.6878 (M-F, 9am-5pm) or email Info@ChicagoEnergyBenchmarking.org.